[ale] OT: Maglev funding?

[Geoffrey]

Jim Kinney wrote:
> On Tue, Feb 17, 2009 at 10:42 AM, Geoffrey <lists at serioustechnology.com> wrote:
> 
>>> Actually, the weight difference is not related to the turning radius
>>> at all.
>> Certainly loaded rail cars will ride higher on the rail?
>>
> 
> Nope. The taper on the wheels coupled with the crowning sets the ride
> point to be center except for turns. The load will affect the
> suspension height certainly. But the suspension, unlike an automobile,
> does not affect the wheel geometry with respect to the road/rail. A
> loaded rail car will ride lower _ABOVE_ the rail than an empty car.

I was specifically referring to when a loaded car takes a curve. 
Certainly a load of 80 tons is going to 'push' the car to the outside of 
the curve?

> If the load affeces the rail positioning it is due to faulty rail anchoring.
> 
> Side note: If you get the chance, watch a railroad tie changing
> process. A special car rides up, claws yank out the spikes, a
> hydraulic boom rips the tie out from under the rail, a second boom
> pounds a new tie in its place and hydraulic nail guns pound in new
> spikes. It does a tie change out in about 40 seconds! There is a pile
> of new tie's in Clarkeston so I expect that rail line to get  upgraded
> soon. Cool!
> 


-- 
Until later, Geoffrey

Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little
temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.
  - Benjamin Franklin